As automakers work to grow EV market share, one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of more widespread adoption remains a lack of charging infrastructure – as well reliable chargers. Ford EV partner Electrify America has long been working on rectifying both of those problems, rapidly expanding its network while also focusing on reducing downtime in terms of existing chargers. Now, Electrify America has launched a new congestion reduction pilot aimed at addressing another common issue.
The new Electrify America congestion reduction pilot program is designed to do precisely what it sounds like – explore ways to reduce wait times at chargers. EA plans to do this by enforcing a state of charge limit of 85 percent at select locations, meaning that a charging session will automatically end once vehicles reach that level. Then, drivers will have 10 minutes to move their vehicle before they’ll incur idle fees.
All 10 participating Electrify America charging stations are located in EV-friendly California, spread between Los Angeles, San Diego, Burbank, Carson, Glendale, and other cities. EA chose stations that are highly-utilized locations in urban areas where DC fast charging is more accessible with other stations nearby, not including chargers along highways, which would make it more difficult for drivers to get enough charge to reach their desired location in some cases. Regardless, Electrify America plans on making adjustments as needed in the coming weeks and months to best accommodate customers.
Though it has rapidly expanded its footprint and even opened its first indoor EV charging station back in February, Electrify America is still trying to figure out ways to reduce congestion and charging times for customers. This is particularly important as a recent study found that the average Ford owner spends around 42 minutes fast charging their vehicles, compared to 31 minutes for Tesla owners.
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Comments
That’s odd, within the 10 minutes grace period one gets to move their 85% charged EV out of the way, I can have my gas tank 100% filled and a fresh cup of coffee to boot if I do choose. Reminds me of the good ole days of gas rationing in 1979.
Can you fill your gas tank at home? If you can, then yes, ICE and vapor locomotives are the future. I have used a public charging station 4 times in the last 5 years I have owned an EV.
When one is on a trip away from home charging stations need to be utilized.